Parole officers work within the criminal justice system by supervising criminal offenders who have been released from jail or sentenced to non-incarceration penalties such as community service. Parole officers regularly meet with their parolees to ensure that they are adjusting to life outside of incarceration, are not breaking any laws or engaging in criminal behavior, and do not have any problems with substance abuse. Parole officers can serve at the city, county or state court level.

Education and Experience

Although there are no formal educational requirements for a becoming a parole officer, most agencies require at least a bachelor’s degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Agencies also typically prefer a degree relating to social work, criminal justice, psychology, corrections, rehabilitation counseling or sociology. Most states require one to three years of experience working in correctional counseling, social work, criminal justice or a related field. Some states allow individuals to opt out of the experience minimum if they obtain a master’s degree in a relevant subject.

Officer Training

Many employers require all recently hired parole officers to complete an officer-training program before beginning work in the field. Programs typically last from four to six weeks and involve workshops, seminars, firearm training, discussions on legal and ethical responsibility, arrest procedures and fitness instruction. Most programs are sponsored by state government and are administered by on-duty parole officers. Probation officers who plan to specialize in a certain type of casework, such as domestic violence or substance abuse, must often receive specific training to deal with that type of abuse. Some states require parole officers to undergo police officer training, where they learn the basics of law enforcement and case management.

Testing

Parole officers must pass a battery of tests prior to employment. Testing varies by state and employer, but typically includes an examination of the officer’s intelligence, psychological well-being, medical health and physical fitness. These tests ensure that a parole officer has the capacity to endure the stress related to the position, as well as the strength and fitness level to apprehend and arrest a parolee if need be. Parole officers must also submit to and pass a drug test before working in the field.

Other Requirements

Many agencies have additional requirements and conditions for becoming a parole officer. Officers are typically required to be between the ages of 21 and 37. They most have a record free of any felony convictions, a valid driver’s license and a clean background check. States in which parole officers are permitted to carry a firearm require that parole officers possess a firearm license. Parole officers are also required to be residents of the state in which they are employed. Officers should also possess a number of personal qualities, such as excellent communication skills, emotional stability, decision-making skills, critical thinking and organizational skills.

About the Author

Marie Gentile has a passion for personal finance and style, and takes a special interest in the places where they intersect. She specializes in writing about money management and frugal living. Gentile has a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been published in several personal finance-related print and online publications.